The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, Shanghai. Surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest, it creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round.

This 468 meters (1,536 feet) high tower is the world's sixth and China's second tallest TV and radio tower. However, even more alluring than its height is the unique architectural design that makes Oriental Pearl TV Tower one of the most attractive places anywhere. Its base is supported by three seven-meter wide slanting stanchions. Surrounding the eleven steel spheres that are 'strung' vertically through the center are three nine-meter wide columns.

There are three large spheres including the top sphere, known as the space module. Then there are five smaller spheres and three decorative spheres on the base. The entire structure rests on rich green grassland and gives the appearance of pearls shining on a jade plate.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Visitors travel up and down the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people at the rate of seven meters per second. The elevator attendants recite an introduction to the TV Tower in English and Chinese during the rapid 1/4-mile ascent. Once you reach your destination, you will be amazed at the variety of activities available as the various spheres and columns actually house places of interest, commerce, and recreation.

The inner is a recreational palace, while the Municipal History Museum is located in the tower's pedestal. The large lower sphere has a futuristic space city and a fabulous sightseeing hall. From here, on a clear day a visitor can see all the way to the Yangtze River. The base is home to a science fantasy city. The five smaller spheres are a hotel that contains twenty-five elegant rooms and lounges. The pearl at the very top contains shops, restaurants, (including a rotating restaurant) and a sightseeing floor. The view of the city from this height fills you with wonder at the beauty that surrounds you. When viewed from the Bund at night, the three-dimensional lighting makes it a delight of brilliant color.

It is amazing that this ultra-modern Oriental Pearl TV Tower combines ancient concepts such as the spherical pearls, with 21st Century technology, commerce, recreation, educational and conference facilities. It really is a TV and radio tower that services the city with more than nine television channels and upwards of ten FM radio channels. Truly, 'oriental pearl' is the most suitable name for it.

* Children below 1 meter (3.3 feet) are admitted for free while those who are between 1 and 1.4 meters (3.3 and 4.6 feet) enjoy 50 percent discount.

Restaurants

Photo of Old Shanghai in the Municipal History Museum

There is a revolving restaurant inside the second sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The restaurant mainly offers buffet of western style. While dining, customers can appreciate the beautiful scene of the city. Besides, customers of the revolving restaurant can enjoy free visit of the tower, including the three spheres and the Municipal History Museum. The cost of the restaurant is listed here for your reference:Buffet Lunch: 11:00-14:00; CNY 298 / personBuffet Dinner: 17:00-21:00; CNY 328 / person

How to get to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel across the Huangpu River, and get off at the Pudong side.

By Metro:Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station. Get out from Exit 1 and you can see the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

By Bus:1. Take bus 81, 82, 314, 939, 993, Cailu Special Line, Lujiazui Financial City Line 1 or Lujiazui Financial City Loop Line and get off at Lujiazui Huanlu Fenghelu Station.2. Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 2 and get off at Dongfang Mingzhu Guangbo Dianshita (Oriental Pearl TV Tower) Station.Shanghai Bus / Metro Search

Tip

After touring around, visitors can have a Huangpu River cruise if you like. The cost of the cruise varies according to the ships you choose.